Life on Easter Sunday; He is Risen! (Lent Series Week 8)

There is no doubt that the morning was dark. There was an absence of light and a vacancy of joy as Jesus’ mother and dear friend visited his grave. Their weary minds were filled with the painful, unwanted memories of the last 72 hours. The optimism and joy that had characterized their lives with Jesus was gone. Suddenly, though, as if someone struck a match in the pitch black, a sudden and unexpected messenger yanked their minds back into the present.

“He isn’t here,”the angel said. The past was wiped away like a cloth clearing a foggy window, and all their senses, thoughts, and emotions were focused like a laser beam on the present moment and one pressing question: where is Jesus?

As they tried to connect the dots, the last page of a dark chapter closes and the hope of a blank page opens. Like the moments before your bride walks down the aisle, or the night before you go into labor, there’s a sense that soon – very soon – everything is going to change. “He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead.” (Matt. 16:21)

Overwhelmed with joy, the women rushed to tell everyone the good news of Easter: He is Risen!

On their way, they met Jesus! What an incredible experience – from mourning to joy in a few moments.

Can you imagine that? The friends of Jesus had seen some miraculous things. Lazarus was dead, a young girl was dead, and both were raised by Jesus. But there is a crucial difference. None of these people raised themselves. Eventually, they would die, just like the rest of us.

When Jesus walked out of the tomb, he did it of his own accord. He did it because he is God and he alone could conquer death forever. In that one act of holy power, he reversed the curse of our unholy rebellion. Jesus lived the sinless life none of us will, he willingly died the death all of us deserve, and he powerfully rose again so all of us can.

“He lives, He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way” wrote Alfred H. Ackley, the great hymn writer.

There is nothing in the world more worth celebrating than the one who offers life in spite of sin and in spite of death. This is what we celebrate on Easter Sunday and every day we walk with him.

He is alive! Turn up the music, enjoy the food, hug and love your family, friends, and neighbors, for this truth has changed everything – “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.” (John 20:31)

Reflection

Why are you most thankful that Jesus walked out of that tomb? Reflect on it today.

Do you know someone who needs to hear about the power over death that Jesus offers? Ask God to grant you a moment and the courage needed to tell them.

Hi y’all! My name is Christopher and I live in Costa Mesa, CA with my amazing wife, Kerry. I’m a writer and a Young Adult Pastor at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach, CA. And this is how good God is: I was born in the greatest state in the Union (Texas!) and I now live, work, and write in one of the most beautiful places on the planet (Southern California!). Life is good.
I am excited that you have found Trochia, a place online to be mentored through God’s grace and truth. God has used mentorship relationships to change my life. Keenan, my friend and former boss helped me to see that my work and relationships were about far more than just “getting the job done.” My current mentor, Stan, is a Christian author who has taught me that Christians (no matter what age) can be intellectually engaged with God and culture in a way that is current, fun, and makes disciples. And I’m forever thankful to God for my parents who are my most influential mentors in faith, marriage, family, and life. Without mentorship, I would not be the man I am.
That is why mentorship, along with God’s calling for us to “make disciples” and “teach them to obey everything that [He] commanded” (Matthew 28:19-20), is part of everything I do as a writer and as a young adult pastor.
I hope that Trochia will be a resource that helps you receive God’s grace and understand His truth, so that you can take one obedient step after another and mentor others along the way.
Check out my two latest devotional books: Easter Is Coming and Christmas Is Coming, available through Amazon.com.

I am most thankful because He is the Amazing Hope for all of us. Whatever we may have had in our lives, that hurts, or we have worried about … we can ALWAYS KNOW He will Always be there to “listen” with a “caring” heart … if we have different things, or people in our lives we may have concern for, He is listening – HE LOVES EVERYONE … no matter what others think, it does not change this fact. He Loves unconditionally, and He never tires of hearing from us. . . in fact that MEANS “Something” to Him to “hear” from us. How precious it is to KNOW this. The very Best friend I have ever had in my whole life “walked out of that tomb” … and part of His buriel cloth was found “folded” next to other parts of His buriel cloth . . . which, in “Jewish custom ” means … “I enjoyed my time with you, and I will be back.” – – – I am so looking forward to seeing that BEST FRIEND I have ever had . . . and He is “coming back” – – soon . May God bless, and guide us all